Kokoda Trek Reviews » Kokoda Trek Reviews

PNG Up The Ante On Kokoda Tourism

Janna — Mon, 09 Apr 2012 07:44:09 +0000

The Papua New Guinea Tourism Promotion Authority (PNGTPA) recently held an event in Sydney to further promote Kokoda Tourism and launch their marketing campaign ahead of the start of the 2012 trekking season.

This year marks the 70th Anniversary of the Kokoda Campaign with many trekking companies involved in commemorative treks on the trail.

The PNGTPA expects this year to be busy with over 3,000 trekkers set to attempt the journey. Tourism is a major income source for the PNG’s economy and special attention has been given to emphasise that as much as 25% of the money spent on Kokoda flows into the local communities that dot the length of the track. Now wonder the government is set on increasing tourism in the area.

Chairman of the Kokoda Track Authority, Mr Ruben Maleva, was quoted as saying: “This has made a huge impact to the local communities aiding development with increased education and health services, creating jobs for porters, guides and guesthouse operators and other small businesses.”

Air Niugini has joined the Kokoda Tourism campaign in its own way. They raised awareness by creating a ‘flying billboard’ for Kokoda. One of their Boeing 737’s displays a map of the Own Stanley Ranges as a mural on the side of the aircraft which is visible as the plane takes off and lands.

Many politicians including Kevin Rudd, Joe Hockey and Bronwyn Bishop have conquered the trail in recent years, which proves that anyone with the fortitude can meet the demands of the Kokoda Track – and Kokoda Tourism is set to grow!

PNG Up The Ante On Kokoda Tourism is a post from: Kokoda Trek Reviews

John Williamson Performs For Kokoda 70th Anniversary Dinner

Janna — Wed, 04 Apr 2012 08:04:34 +0000

Singer and songwriter, John Williamson, widely known for his folk and country style, is set to perform at a dinner at the National Parliament in Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea, to commemorate the 70th Anniversary of the conflict in Kokoda. The dinner, to be held on Saturday 28th April, will also promote the new album by John Williamson, ‘The Big Red’.

John Williamson is perhaps best known for his songs about mateship, courage in the face of adversity and the Australian spirit. One of his best known tracks, ‘True Blue’, raises questions to the listener about whether Australians are forgetting some of these qualities as we progress as a nation. Williamson’s appearance at the dinner should be a fitting tribute to the commemoration of the Kokoda legend.

For more information and booking details of this John Williamson show, go to http://www.kokoda70.org/.

John Williamson Performs For Kokoda 70th Anniversary Dinner is a post from: Kokoda Trek Reviews

Anzac Day Got You Thinking Of Walking Kokoda?

Janna — Mon, 02 Apr 2012 07:36:22 +0000

Are you dreaming of attending an ANZAC Day Dawn Service at the Isurava Memorial?

ANZAC Day is around the corner – for many of us Anzac Day Kokoda go hand in hand. It’s our opportunity to honour the diggers who have fought for Australia in the past. And of course, we often remember the gruelling stories that are being told about the Kokoda Campaign.

Anzac day is a very popular time to trek Kokoda, and it’s many people’s dream to experience the dawn service at the Isurava memorial, just as many people go on a pilgrimage to Gallipoli for the occasion.

Whilst you may have missed the opportunity to trek Kokoda for Anzac Day 2012, now is the best time to be thinking about Anzac Day 2013 and getting fit in time. You also have the chance to lock in Anzac Day 2012 prices before any price rises.

How To Spend Anzac Day in Kokoda

Here are our tips:

Book Early - Anzac Day is one of the busiest times on the Kokoda Track. If you want to be there next year, you better book it early. As there are limited numbers on most groups you don’t want to miss out and have to wait another year.
Don’t delay! - Most times potential trekkers ‘put it off’ and think about it again at Anzac Day 2013. You’re going to need a plan – and the best way to plan is to commit. As an incentive, most tour companies will allow you to ‘lock in’ 2012 prices now before prices rise – just ask.
Get ready - Don’t try and do it on your own. Contact a trekking company and let them guide you through the process of getting ready and getting fit. They can give you guidelines on what to prepare for, put you in touch with other trekkers in your area, or even give you the details of personal trainers who will specifically train you for the rigours of Kokoda.
Put down a deposit - The hardest part. People don’t want to part with their hard-earned money. But it will cement your resolve. You won’t want to waste the deposit, which will keep you training, and will keep the deadline moving closer, which means you won’t keep delaying it into the future…

Want to trek Kokoda Earlier?

If you’re fit and feeling up to the challenge, you may even consider the Kokoda Anniversary trek being organised by one of our recommended tour operators for the occasion of the 70th anniversary of the Kokoda Campaign. It commemorates the 39th Australian Infantry Battalion’s battles during the Kokoda campaign. On this trek you will be given the name of a soldier of the 39th to research for your trek. At an appropriate point on the track, a memorial service will be held for him at which point you will be given the opportunity to share with the group what you have learnt.

If you’re interested in a Anzac Day Kokoda tour, or the 70th anniversary trek, you can get in touch with the touring company by filling our the quote form on the right and choosing 70th Anniversary Commem. Track.

Anzac Day Got You Thinking Of Walking Kokoda? is a post from: Kokoda Trek Reviews

Get in early for 2013!

Janna — Thu, 22 Mar 2012 08:30:56 +0000

We have noticed a flurry of enquiries from our readers regarding trekking tours for 2013. Not only is this giving trekkers a goal to work towards, but it is enabling them to ‘lock in’ prices before inevitable price rises. Some of the trekking companies listed on this website are taking bookings for 2013 treks at 2012 prices. This could represent substantial discounts, especially if you are travelling in a group of 2 or more.

You may also like to ask these trek operators for information on private treks, women-only treks, youth treks, longer treks or short treks. You are not restricted to do a ‘classic’ trek e.g. you may decide to trek north to south, or south to north, or only go to the War Memorial at Isurava instead of walking the entire track.

Use the enquiry form on the side to get a quote on a future trek – there is no obligation to take up the offer made, but it may be a first step for you to start your Kokoda trekking journey!

All the best,
Adam & Janna

Get in early for 2013! is a post from: Kokoda Trek Reviews

Kokoda Campaign: 70th Anniversary Promotion by Getaway Trekking

Janna — Wed, 15 Feb 2012 02:30:52 +0000

The 39th Battalion fighting the Kokoda Campaign

2012 is the 70th anniversary of the Kokoda Campaign, during which the Australian diggers fought so bravely. The Kokoda campaign consisted of a series of battles between Japanese and Australian troops which took place from July to November 1942. The Japanese had landed on the North Coast of PNG’s mainland and were planning to advance South to Port Moresby and eventually Australia. Papua New Guinea had been a protectorate of Australia since the end of World War I, so Australian soldiers were sent to protect Port Moresby from Japanese invasion, and keep Japanese troops as far away from the Australian mainland as possible.

Background On The Kokoda Campaign

Wikipedia reports that

“Following a landing near Gona, on the north coast of New Guinea, on the night of 21/22 July, Japanese forces attempted to advance south overland through the mountains of the Owen Stanley Range to seize Port Moresby as part of a strategy of isolating Australia from the United States. Initially only limited Australian forces were available to oppose them, and after making rapid progress the Japanese South Seas Force under Major General Tomitaro Horii clashed with under strength Australian forces from the Papuan Infantry Battalion and the Australian 39th Battalion on 23 July at Awala, forcing them back to Kokoda. Following a confused night battle on 28/29 July, the Australians were again forced to withdraw. The Australians attempted to recapture Kokoda on 8 August without success which resulted in heavy casualties on both sides, and the 39th Battalion was subsequently forced back to Deniki. A number of Japanese attacks were subsequently fought off by the Australian Militia over the following week, yet by 14 August they began to withdraw over the Owen Stanley Range, down the Kokoda Track towards Isurava.” Source: Wikipedia

Getaway Trekking is offering several commemorative treks to honour the important battles during the campaign. They are working with the 39th Australian Infantry Battalion Association to honour their diggers. Trekkers participating in these special treks will have the opportunity to trek in honour of one of the 39th’s fallen and will either choose a particular soldier of the 39th Battalion to honour, or be provided with the name and war service number of a 39th soldier. This initiative gives trekkers a unique opportunity to travel beyond the history books and gain a personal insight into those who fought in the inhospitable terrain that was the Kokoda Track.

In addition, at an appropriate point on the track, the group will hold a memorial service in the honour of each soldier, during which time you have the opportunity to share what you have learned about the Kokoda Campaign and “your 39th soldier” with the group.

To participate in a Kokoda Campaign commemorative trek, fill out the Request a Quote form and choose 70th Anniversary Track from the drop down menu.

Kokoda Campaign: 70th Anniversary Promotion by Getaway Trekking is a post from: Kokoda Trek Reviews

Kokoda Trail or Kokoda Track?

Janna — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 04:12:54 +0000

You may have heard the different names Kokoda Track and Kokoda Trail. Until 1972, the area did not have an official name and both names were used to describe the route. However, in 1972, the official name Kokoda Trail was gazetted while Papua New Guinea was still an Australian Territory. Both names are still commonly used today, however Kokoda Trail is the official name for the route.

In his book, The Kokoda Trail – A History, Stuart Hawthorne provides some more details on the name of the track and its origin. He explains that before the 1942 war period, the route was referred to in official papers as ‘the overland mail route’ while popular usage of ‘the Buna road’ was also widespread. (Buna is a coastal town in the Northern Province of Papua New Guinea – if you were to continue past Kokoda all the way to the coast, you would end up at Buna.)

If you’re interested in reading more about the origin of the name, or generally about the history of Kokoda, Stuart’s book is available on Amazon.

Kokoda Trail or Kokoda Track? is a post from: Kokoda Trek Reviews

Human Remains Found On Kokoda Trek

Janna — Tue, 22 Nov 2011 02:11:05 +0000

A recent article by the Geelong Advertiser reported that human remains had been found on the Kokoda track. The Australian Department of Defence will now launch an official identification process.

The article reports that

A PNG porter from a trek group led by Mick O’Malley discovered a skull and thigh bone while fishing in a stream at a village known as 1900, near Menari.

Ammunition was also found near the site.

You can read the full article at http://www.geelongadvertiser.com.au/article/2011/11/22/292741_news.html

Human Remains Found On Kokoda Trek is a post from: Kokoda Trek Reviews

Kokoda trail World War 2: Bomb Experts Clear Ammunition from Kokoda Track

Janna — Thu, 03 Nov 2011 22:06:02 +0000

The Australian reported recently that Australian and New Zealand Bomb experts were collecting and destroying tons of Kokoda Trail World War 2 ammunition, such as bombs, torpedoes, shells, and hand grenades that had been left along the track until recently. The ammunition, some of which was still live, has always been an attraction for trekkers interested in the military history of Kokoda.

It seems that it was decided that the old ammunition should be removed as it was found near air crash sites and storage depot bunkers, and may have posed a risk to trekkers and locals.

For more details the full article in the Australian is available here

Kokoda trail World War 2: Bomb Experts Clear Ammunition from Kokoda Track is a post from: Kokoda Trek Reviews

In Which Direction Should I Head Towards the Kokoda Trek?

Janna — Mon, 31 Oct 2011 10:51:46 +0000

Kokoda Village to Owers Corner? Or vice versa? Based on our own informal discussions on the ground, most groups that we saw flew in to Kokoda and trekked back south to Owers Corner near Port Moresby. Owers Corner marks the start of the kokoda treck outside Port Moresby.

Some say that it is ‘easier’ to trek from Kokoda to Owers because there are more downhill sections. This may well be true, but the difference would in our opinion on the kokoda trek be nominal. Both directions are strenuous, with plenty of ups and downs in either case!

Depending on the trekking company you choose, they may have their own opinion on which way to heed the kokoda trek, and, they may also take you on small detours to show you other sites of significance. You must remember there is no single track and the landscape is constantly changing. The track splits and reforms in many places to connect villages and outposts. Rest assured, a reputable trekking company will always take you to important battle sites e.g. Isurava, Brigade Hill, and explain the history of the area.

In peak season accommodation along the route is in demand, and this may determine the direction of travel. On our trek, we found that we would vacate a site, knowing that evening another trekking group would be arriving to take our place. These logistics are all controlled well by good, experienced trekking companies who will have all these necessities arranged ahead of time. Make sure you choose a reputable company, otherwise you might be sleeping rough! Wherever possible, your campsite will be for your group only, and will not have to share facilities with other groups. This helps to add to your experience and allow you to better feel the mystery and awe of the jungle environment.

We trekked from Owers Corner to Kokoda (south to north). For us, this direction had more of an element of authenticity as we were exposed to the same arduous journey as the original 39th Battalion. Having been denied the option to fly over the ranges, they humped their way over the range to Kokoda. At the end of our journey we were able to fly back over the Owen Stanley Ranges to see exactly where we had been and come through – a real rite of passage – so this became a fitting way to end your kokoda trek.

In Which Direction Should I Head Towards the Kokoda Trek? is a post from: Kokoda Trek Reviews

Will I See Remnants of the War Along the Kokoda Track?

Janna — Thu, 20 Oct 2011 10:38:03 +0000

There is no ‘one’ Kokoda track – the route itself meanders across the Owen Stanley Ranges, splitting off and rejoining in many sections. The main reason for this is that many villages and communities need access to this vital trade route. Because Papua New Guinea is so mountainous, there are few travel options. With aeroplane travel cost restrictive to most PNG nationals, the only other option becomes walking. (As a side note: it is highly unlikely the route will ever be a ‘sealed road’. It is far too rugged for this, and at present there is little economic demand to create a roadway. It just wouldn’t make sense. Flying is far more practical.)

If you choose a reputable company, they will have experienced guides with excellent knowledge of the local area and the WWII battlegrounds. You will stop to rest at the different sites of significance, and will hear stories of courageous acts. You will literally be standing in the same spot as the Australian soldiers, looking at rusting equipment, and peering into trenches and fox holes that look as though they could have been dug yesterday.

Live munitions still litter the kokoda track. Be careful not to pick up any ordnance, and always follow the instructions of your trek leader. He or she will know where to look, and what you can and can’t disturb. Please understand that it is not a minefield or anything of the like – the kokoda track is not covered in explosives! However, some of the ammunition could still be live, and could still explode, even 70 years later. In most cases, the ammunition is piled into neat stacks in strategic spots. Other war remnants are sometimes found, like .303 rifles (rusted and useless), helmets and boots.

Will I See Remnants of the War Along the Kokoda Track? is a post from: Kokoda Trek Reviews